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HB 414 Kentucky House · 2026 Regular Session

AN ACT relating to booking procedures in local jails.

Summary
Amend KRS 17.169 to include local law enforcement as persons authorized to collect DNA samples; define "rapid DNA instruments"; amend KRS 17.170 to provide for the collection of DNA samples at arrest or initial appearance from all persons charged with a felony offense; allow for collection of a second DNA sample by approved local governments to be processed via rapid DNA instruments; amend KRS 17.175 to provide that a person may request expungement of the record of his or her DNA in certain enumerated circumstances; amend KRS 64.060 to establish a $5 payment from the State Treasury to the collecting agency for each DNA sample collected.
Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Mar 2026
House Passage
Feb 2026
Senate Passage
Governor
Introduced Jan 15, 2026 Last action Mar 16, 2026
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Introduced → Current/Final · 6 edits
MODERATE
This bill updates the definitions and procedures for collecting DNA samples in Kentucky jails, shifting the responsibility from arresting officers to jailers or local correctional officials. It introduces a new option to use 'Rapid DNA instruments' for faster processing and clarifies that civil liability does not attach to authorized personnel performing these duties. The changes aim to streamline the booking process and ensure consistent DNA collection for law enforcement identification purposes.
Scope change
The scope of responsibility for collecting DNA samples shifted from arresting peace officers to jailers or local correctional officials upon a person's commitment to custody.
REQUIREMENT

Responsibility for collecting DNA samples was transferred from arresting officers to jailers or local correctional officials when a person is committed to custody.

The cabinet is now authorized to promulgate regulations establishing standards for the operation of Rapid DNA instruments by local governments.

The list of qualified personnel authorized to collect DNA samples was expanded to include physicians, nurses, phlebotomists, and medical technicians.

DEFINITION

A new definition for 'Rapid DNA instruments' was added, allowing for automated DNA analysis.

The definition of 'DNA sample' was updated to include 'buccal swab' as a valid specimen type alongside blood.

ENFORCEMENT

Civil liability protections were added for authorized personnel who collect DNA samples according to administrative regulations.

Floor votes · House Feb 19, 2026

How they voted

78–18
Passed · 9 other
Total votes 105
Feb 19, 2026
D Democratic21
18 Yea 3
85% Yea
R Republican84
60 Yea 18 Nay 6
71% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea All Nay Mixed No data
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
10
Key actions
2
Committee
5
Mar 16, 2026
Committee
to Judiciary (S)
upper
Feb 20, 2026
Committee
to Committee on Committees (S)
upper
Feb 19, 2026
Lower · Passed
3rd reading, passed 73-18 with Committee Substitute (1)
lower
Feb 17, 2026
Lower · Passed
reported favorably, 1st reading, to Calendar with Committee Substitute (1)
lower
Jan 23, 2026
Committee
to Local Government (H)
lower
Jan 15, 2026
Committee
to Committee on Committees (H)
lower
Jan 15, 2026
Introduced
introduced in House
lower
0 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

No sponsor information available.